Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini banned 6 games for ref outburst

Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Vanni Sartini has been suspended a complete of six matches and fined $20,000 by MLS on Thursday for a number of violations of league coverage that occurred each throughout and after the staff’s playoff loss to LAFC on Nov. 5.

Sartini, 47, additionally should full a league-approved behavioral evaluation and adjust to any beneficial remedy, per the MLS.

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He will serve a one-match suspension for the pink card throughout the Whitecaps’ opening match of the 2024 season and a further 5 matches to finish the punishment introduced by the league.

Sartini was proven a pink card within the ninety fifth minute of a 1-0 setback to LAFC, which swept a best-of-three first-round Western Conference playoff collection. Sartini’s extra punishment stemmed from his coming into the sector of play in a confrontational method and public criticism following the match.

He labeled referee Tim Ford’s efficiency as “disgraceful” and made a joke saying he’d be a suspect if Ford was discovered lifeless following the match.

“Following our last match, I have taken the time to reflect, listen, and will always continue to learn,” Sartini stated. “As I shared at our end-of-season media conference, I am deeply sorry for my actions on the field, as well as my poor choice of words.

“I do know that it isn’t simple to be a match official. This was not an excellent reflection of the respect that I’ve for the work that they do, so for that, once more, I’m sorry.

“I also regret that because of my actions, l will not be on the bench for the start of our MLS season. I have already been in contact with the league, and I am committed to all recommendations and will also look for additional opportunities to learn and grow.”